Negative indicators

Variations

Level and quality of self-esteem, though correlated, remain distinct. One can exhibit low levels of high-quality self esteem and/or high levels of low-quality self esteem, resulting in 'fragile' self-esteem (as in narcissism) or low but stable self-esteem (as in humility). However, investigators can indirectly assess the quality of self-esteem in several ways:

ü in terms of its constancy over time (stability)

ü in terms of its independence of meeting particular conditions (non-contingency)

ü in terms of its ingrained nature at a basic psychological level (implicitness or automatized)

Positive indicators

People with a healthy level of self-esteem

§ firmly believe in certain values and principles, and are ready to defend them even when finding opposition, feeling secure enough to modify them in light of experience.

§ are able to act according to what they think to be the best choice, trusting their own judgement, and not feeling guilty when others don't like their choice.

§ do not lose time worrying excessively about what happened in the past, nor about what could happen in the future. They learn from the past and plan for the future, but live in the present intensely.

§ fully trusts in their capacity to solve problems, not hesitating after failures and difficulties. They ask others for help when they need it.

§ consider themselves equal in dignity to others, rather than inferior or superior, while accepting differences in certain talents, personal prestige or financial standing.

§ take for granted that he is an interesting and valuable person for others, at least for those with whom he has a friendship.

§ resist manipulation, collaborate with others only if it seems appropriate and convenient.

§ admits and accepts different internal feelings and drives, either positive or negative, revealing those drives to others only when they choose.

§ are able to enjoy a great variety of activities.

§ are sensitive to feelings and needs of others; respect generally accepted social rules, and claim no right or desire to prosper at others' expense.

Negative indicators

A person with low self-esteem may show some of the following symptoms:

v Heavy self-criticism, tending to create a habitual state of dissatisfaction with oneself.

v Hypersensitivity to criticism, which makes oneself feel easily attacked and experience obstinate resentment against critics.

v Chronic indecision, not so much because of lack of information, but from an exaggerated fear of making a mistake.

v Excessive will to please: being unwilling to say "no", out of fear of displeasing the petitioner.

v Perfectionism, or self-demand to do everything attempted "perfectly" without a single mistake, which can lead to frustration when perfection is not achieved.

v Neurotic guilt: one is condemned for behaviors which not always are objectively bad, exaggerates the magnitude of mistakes or offenses and complains about them indefinitely, never reaching full forgiveness.

v Floating hostility, irritability out in the open, always on the verge of exploding even for unimportant things; an attitude characteristic of somebody who feels bad about everything, who is disappointed or unsatisfied with everything.

v Defensive tendencies, a general negative (one is pessimistic about everything: life, future, and, above all, oneself) and a general lack of will to enjoy life.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29